Where to Begin »

Knowing who to call will save time and start you on your way to planning a successful event. Event planning and
protocol liaisons serve as the first point of contact when planning events for the A&M system members.

What type of event am I planning?

There are numerous answers to this question. To help, listed below are a number of event categories:

Unveiling – An unveiling consists of permanent items to display on system campuses, agencies, and health science center for public viewing.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio unveils its new mascot.

 

Building Dedication – A building dedication honors or memorializes donors who have made significant contributions toward a college, center, or institute.

An example of a building dedication

University Center building dedication reception at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

 

Campus Dedication – A campus dedication honors the years of planning and construction involved in building a new campus. Local and state officials are invited, as well as Board of Regents members and the chancellor. Guests also include the university president, faculty members, and student body president.

An example of a campus dedication

Dr. Nancy Dickey, president of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, speaks with officials at TAMHSC's Bryan Campus dedication ceremony.

 

Commencement – Commencement ceremonies can vary, but usually consist of speeches and conferral of degrees.

An example of commencement

Former First Lady Barbara Bush gives the commencement address at Texas A&M University.

 

Academic Convocation – Academic convocations are most often held to celebrate a new academic year. They also can be held to award honorary degrees. The basics of convocations are the same as a commencement:  they both begin and end with an academic procession.

An example of an academic convocation

Dr. R. Bowen Loftin was officially installed as the president of Texas A&M University at the 2010 academic convocation.

 

Groundbreaking Ceremony – This ceremony is held to mark the first day of construction for a building project. Local, state and federal officials, as well as university officials participate.

An example of a groundbreaking ceremony

Groundbreaking for the University Center Building at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

 

Presidential Inauguration – This is the official installation introducing the new president to the campus community.  The president usually gives a speech outlining his or her vision for the university.

An example of an inauguration procession

Tarleton State University celebrates the inauguration of President Dominic Dottavio.

 

Presidential Investiture – This ceremony is smaller than an inauguration ceremony, and is preferred by an interim president who has been appointed as president of a university.

An example of a presidential investiture

Texas A&M University-Commerce president Dr. Dan Jones gives his investiture address.

 

Ribbon-cutting Ceremony – Ribbon-cuttings are held to celebrate the opening of a new facility.

An example of a ribbon cutting ceremony

Texas A&M International University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new University Success Center.

 
Source: Harris, A., (1999) A guide for campus events.  Etiquette and Protocol